Harry H. Laughlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry H. Laughlin
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Laughlin, c. 1929
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Harry Hamilton Laughlin
March 11, 1880 Oskaloosa, Iowa, U.S.
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| Died | January 26, 1943 (aged 62) Missouri, U.S.
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| Education | District Normal School (BA) Princeton University (DSc) |
| Occupation | Educator and eugenicist |
| Spouse(s) | Pansy Laughlin |
Harry Hamilton Laughlin (born March 11, 1880 – died January 26, 1943) was an American educator. He was also known for his controversial ideas about human genetics, which are now widely seen as wrong and harmful.
Contents
Harry Laughlin's Life
Early Years
Harry Hamilton Laughlin was born on March 11, 1880, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He went to the First District Normal School, which is now called Truman State University, in Kirksville, Missouri. In 1917, he earned a special science degree from Princeton University. His studies focused on cytology, which is the study of cells.
His Career and Ideas
Plans for a World Government
Harry Laughlin was very interested in the idea of creating a single government for the whole world. He spent much of his adult life working on these plans. His model for a world government was somewhat like the U.S. Constitution and the League of Nations.
However, Laughlin's ideas also included some very controversial beliefs. He designed his world government plan so that countries in Europe and North America, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, would have more power. He also believed his government plan would help keep different groups of people separate. These ideas were part of something called "eugenics," which is a set of beliefs that are now considered wrong and harmful. They are not accepted today.
Despite these controversial views, some important international leaders, like Edward M. House (who advised President Woodrow Wilson), showed interest in Laughlin's world government ideas.
Later Life and Passing
Harry Laughlin married his wife, Pansy, in 1902. They did not have any children. In 1939, Laughlin had to retire from his work. This happened after he had several severe seizures, which might have been caused by epilepsy that ran in his family.
In December 1939, Harry and Pansy Laughlin moved back to Kirksville, Missouri. Harry Laughlin passed away on January 26, 1943. He was buried near his parents in Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville.
See also
- E. S. Gosney
- Madison Grant
- Human Betterment Foundation
- Paul B. Popenoe
